Simplicity Movement, a sociopolitical group in Rivers State, has asked the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), to be fair and sincere.
High Chief, Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich, National Leader of the movement, gave the advice at a press briefing, on Monday.
“We are sure that you were carefully selected by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, because of your pedigree and track record as a seasoned military administrator. Entrusted with the critical mandate to restore peace, law, and order in Rivers State—an assignment the President deemed necessary under the current circumstances—we urge you, Your Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), to carry out this responsibility with utmost sincerity and fairness for the collective good of Rivers State.
“Just as you assured in your inaugural address to the state, that you are not in the state as a partisan actor or political competitor, but as a stabilizing force to restore governance and order, we appeal that you make this solemn promise your guiding principle in the governance of our state within the period of your stay in office.
“The good part is that upon your arrival, you witnessed firsthand the situation in Rivers State and confirmed that the state is peaceful.
“This contradicts the false narrative peddled by the enemies of our state, which led to the declaration of the state of emergency—an action clearly aimed at removing the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Siminialayi Fubara, at all costs.
We have noticed a worrisome trend on various media outlets and social media platforms where certain blogger notorious for blackmailing people to gain social media following have been paid to carry out a viral smear campaign against Rivers State, falsely insinuating that there is bloodshed and killings in the state.
“We condemn this falsehood in the strongest terms. Rivers State remains peaceful, even amid political misunderstandings.
We urge the general public to disregard the rumors being spread by this ex-convict, who is either paid or merely out on revenge against the State for being jailed at the Port Harcourt Maximum Prison for Defamation of Character.
Furthermore, we warn anyone or any group planning to incite chaos in the state to justify extending the State of Emergency beyond the six-month period to desist immediately.
“Moving Forward, we ant to state unequivocally that Mr. President was unfair to Governor Fubara or may not have been properly briefed before accusing him of demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex and making no effort to rebuild it.
“This claim is false and was merely foisted to justify the declaration of a state of emergency. As the Sole Administrator has now confirmed for himself, Governor Siminalayi Fubara was already constructing a befitting and modern State Assembly Complex, which according to the Chairman of the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission Dr Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja, was a response to reveral calls for better facility. And is over 80% complete before the declaration of State of Emergency.
“Work was progressing at a steady pace before the sudden imposition of the state of emergency. The assertion that the governor abandoned the Assembly Complex reconstruction is misleading and should be corrected.
“Furthermore, while the state of emergency presents significant challenges, it also offers an opportunity—much like a patient in critical condition receiving urgent medical attention. We urge you to approach this task with a sense of urgency and dedication, prioritizing the welfare of the people, sustaining the economy, and revitalizing key aspects of the state’s institutions that have been greatly impacted by the recent political crisis.
“While the declaration of a state of emergency is a bitter pill to swallow, nonetheless, we are ready to support the Sole Administrator to deliver good governance to Rivers people.
Jackrich said the group was against the removal of Fubara, which he described as unconstitutional.
“The people of Rivers State elected Governor Fubara, and any attempt to remove him must be done through constitutional means.”
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to reject this attack on democracy and demand that the President in his wisdom reverse the declaration, which is against the provisions of our constitution which he swore to uphold.
“Governor Siminialayi Fubara was unfairly treated. President Tinubu ought to have also sanctioned the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who has featured prominently and actively in this whole political chaos in the state, for the sake of fairness and equity.”
He also called for investigation into the recent explosions at Oil and Gas installations in Rivers.
